Welcome to a world where simple ingredients transform into spectacular treats! This delightful cranberry candy recipe is a festive marvel, perfect for adding a touch of homemade charm to any occasion. While there are many types of cranberry treats, from jellied confections to hard sweets, our recipe focuses on creating beautifully sugared cranberries that are both tangy and sweet. Get ready to impress with this easy-to-make, vibrant confection.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’re going to adore making this simple yet elegant cranberry candy. It’s the perfect blend of sweet and tart, offering a burst of festive flavor in every bite.
- Irresistible Flavor: The balance of sweet sugar with the tartness of fresh cranberries is truly captivating.
- Incredibly Easy: With just a few basic ingredients and straightforward steps, anyone can master this recipe.
- Holiday Essential: These beautiful treats are ideal for holiday gatherings, edible gifts, or simply a delightful snack.
- Visually Stunning: Their vibrant red hue and sparkling sugared coating make them a beautiful addition to any spread.
- Unique Gifting Idea: Handcrafted cranberry candy makes a thoughtful and memorable present for friends and family.
Ingredients
Creating this delightful cranberry candy requires just a few pantry staples. Always choose the freshest, highest-quality ingredients for the best results.
- 1 cup (120g) fresh cranberries (do not use frozen)
- ¾ cup (180g/ml) water
- 1 ¼ cups (250g) granulated sugar, divided
Notes & Substitutions
- Cranberries: Fresh, firm cranberries are crucial for the best texture. Frozen cranberries release too much water, leading to a mushy result that won’t sugar properly.
- Granulated Sugar: Standard granulated sugar works perfectly here. You can experiment with different sugars for the coating, as mentioned in the variations.
- Flavor Boost: For an aromatic twist, add a teaspoon of fresh orange zest or a splash of orange juice to the sugar syrup as it simmers.
- Sweetener Alternative: While sugar is traditional, you can substitute a small portion of the sugar (about ¼ cup) with honey in the syrup for a different depth of sweetness.
Equipment
Gathering your tools before you begin ensures a smooth and enjoyable cooking process. You likely have most of these items already in your kitchen!
- Saucepan: For preparing the simple sugar syrup. A medium-sized pan works best.
- Heat-Safe Bowl: To soak the cranberries in the warm syrup.
- Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mat: Essential for drying the cranberries and preventing sticking.
- Baking Sheet: To hold the parchment paper and cranberries during drying.
- Slotted Spoon: For easily transferring the cranberries from the syrup without excess liquid.
How To Make Cranberry Candy
Follow these clear, step-by-step instructions to create perfect homemade cranberry candy. This process ensures each cranberry is beautifully coated and dried to perfection.
- Prepare Cranberries: Place the fresh cranberries in a medium heat-safe bowl. Set aside.
- Make Simple Syrup: In a medium saucepan set over medium heat, combine the water and ¾ cup (150g) of the granulated sugar. Bring this mixture to a simmer, whisking constantly until the sugar has completely dissolved. Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the syrup to cool for 5 minutes.
- Soak Cranberries: Carefully pour the slightly cooled sugar syrup over the cranberries in the heat-safe bowl and stir gently to ensure all cranberries are submerged. Cover the bowl and let the cranberries soak for 15 minutes. This step infuses them with sweetness.
- First Dry: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Using a slotted spoon, carefully transfer the cranberries from the sugar syrup and arrange them in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Allow them to dry, uncovered, at room temperature for 1 hour. At this stage, the cranberries will still be quite sticky to the touch.
- Sugar Coating: Pour the remaining ½ cup (100g) of granulated sugar into a large, clean bowl. Add the partially dried cranberries to the bowl. Toss the cranberries gently in the sugar, ensuring they are evenly coated all the way around. This provides the beautiful signature coating for your cranberry candy.
- Final Dry: Return the sugared cranberries to the lined baking sheet, spreading them out again in a single layer. Let them dry, uncovered, for at least 1 hour at room temperature or in the refrigerator. This final drying period is crucial for setting the sugar coating.
- Serve or Store: Use your delicious homemade cranberry candy immediately, or store it as directed below. If the candy starts to appear a little moist or wet, a quick re-toss in a small amount of fresh sugar will refresh its appearance and texture.
Pro Tips for Perfect Cranberry Candy
Achieving that perfect balance of crisp sugar and tender cranberry is easy with these helpful tips.
- Select Quality Cranberries: Always use fresh, firm, and bright red cranberries. Avoid any soft, shriveled, or bruised berries, as they won’t hold up well.
- Don’t Overcrowd: When drying the cranberries on the baking sheet, ensure they are in a single layer with space between them. Overcrowding traps moisture and hinders proper drying.
- Thorough Drying is Key: The success of this cranberry candy hinges on adequate drying time. Make sure the cranberries feel tacky but not wet before the final sugar toss.
- Troubleshooting Sticky Candies: If your cranberry candy becomes sticky, it usually means they didn’t dry long enough or moisture got in. Simply toss them again in a fresh batch of granulated sugar and allow them to dry for another hour on parchment paper.
Serving, Storage, and Variations
This versatile cranberry candy is perfect for many uses and adapts well to different flavor profiles.
Serving Suggestions:
- Garnish: Sprinkle these beautiful sweets over holiday desserts, cheesecakes, or fruit tarts.
- Snack: Enjoy them straight from the bowl as a delightful, tart-sweet snack.
- Elevated Drinks: Add a few pieces to a sparkling cider or a non-alcoholic mocktail for a festive touch.
- Gift Baskets: Package them in small decorative bags or jars for charming homemade gifts.
Storage:
Store your homemade cranberry candy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They are best enjoyed fresh, as prolonged storage can cause the sugar coating to soften slightly.
Variations:
- Spiced Sugar: Infuse the final sugar coating with warm spices. Mix ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon, a pinch of nutmeg, or ground ginger with the granulated sugar before tossing the cranberries.
- Decorative Sugars: For an extra fancy touch, use coarse sanding sugar or colored sugars for the final coating instead of regular granulated sugar.
- Citrus Burst: Add a teaspoon of finely grated lemon or lime zest to the sugar syrup or the final sugar coating for a brighter flavor profile.
Nutritional Information
Enjoying homemade cranberry candy offers a lovely treat with some natural goodness from the cranberries. While sweet, cranberries themselves are packed with beneficial compounds.
According to a review published in the Journal of Nutrition, cranberries rank high among fruits in both antioxidant quality and quantity.
| Nutrient | Per Serving (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 45 kcal |
| Total Fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 0mg |
| Sodium | 0mg |
| Total Carbs | 12g |
| Sugars | 11g |
| Protein | 0g |
Note: These values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes. Cranberries are known for their antioxidant properties.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are answers to common questions about making this delightful cranberry candy.
Can I use other berries like blueberries or raspberries for this recipe?
While you can sugar other berries, the high water content and delicate nature of blueberries and raspberries make them less ideal for this specific cranberry candy method. They tend to become mushier and not hold their shape as well.
Can I make these cranberry candies ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare them up to 3 days in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent stickiness.
How do I prevent my sugared cranberries from being sticky?
Ensuring thorough drying after the syrup soak and again after the final sugar toss is crucial. Also, avoid humidity, and if they do get sticky, simply re-toss them in a little more fresh granulated sugar.
Can I freeze sugared cranberries?
Freezing is not recommended for this type of cranberry candy. The freezing and thawing process would likely cause the sugar coating to melt and the cranberries to become very soft and mushy.
Conclusion
Creating homemade cranberry candy is a wonderfully rewarding experience, yielding a festive treat that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. With its irresistible balance of sweet and tart, this simple recipe transforms fresh cranberries into sparkling gems perfect for any celebration or just a special snack. We encourage you to try this recipe, embrace the joy of crafting your own confections, and share your delicious results with loved ones. Enjoy every sweet, tangy bite!
Cranberry Candy
Kitchen Equipment
- Medium heat-safe bowl
- Medium saucepan
- Whisk
- baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Slotted spoon
- Large bowl
Recipe Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh cranberries (120g, do not use frozen)
- 3/4 cup water (180g/ml)
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar (250g, divided)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Instructions
- Place the fresh cranberries into a medium heat-safe bowl and set it aside.
- In a medium saucepan, combine water and 3/4 cup (150g) of sugar; bring to a simmer over medium heat, whisking until the sugar fully dissolves. Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the syrup to cool for 5 minutes.
- Pour the cooled sugar syrup over the cranberries in the bowl, stir gently, then cover the bowl and let it sit for 15 minutes.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Using a slotted spoon, carefully transfer the cranberries from the syrup to the prepared baking sheet and let them air dry, uncovered, for 1 hour until they become sticky.
- Pour the remaining 1/2 cup (100g) sugar into a large bowl. Add the dried cranberries and toss them until they are completely coated, then return the sugared cranberries to the lined baking sheet to dry, uncovered, for at least 1 hour at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
- Serve the cranberry candy immediately, or store them tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; if they appear wet, toss them with a little more sugar.
